Getting Started with AI in Preconstruction: Insights from Westland’s Chris Keeler

With AI advancing quickly, Chris Keeler, Estimator II at Westland Construction, believes the biggest win for preconstruction teams is simply getting started. This interview explores how he approaches early benchmarking, trade engagement, and building a stronger historical cost foundation—plus the straightforward AI adoption roadmap he plans to share with the community at Advancing Preconstruction 2026.
View the 2026 Agenda
Chris Keeler

Chris Keeler

Estimator II
Westland Construction

1. What impact has the introduction of new tariffs had on your firm’s preconstruction and estimating processes?

Chris: So far tariffs haven’t had much real impact on our projects, but we are seeing more proposal language referencing a potential tariffs impact.

2. How do you think increased adoption of technologies like AI and model-based estimating will change the role of estimators and preconstruction leaders?

Chris: AI and model-based estimating will reduce the mundane manual tasks so estimators can focus on validating scope, benchmarking, and pricing strategy earlier. It also lets us bid more work and spend more time building relationships.

3. What best practices have your team implemented to strengthen conceptual estimating and risk mitigation on complex projects?

Chris: We’ve mostly done this the traditional way comparing early costs to similar past jobs and reaching out to key subs early to price check and see any risks. We are improving by building a more structured historical cost database so our benchmarks are faster and more consistent.

4. What are you most looking forward to about Advancing Preconstruction 2026 and why?

Chris: I’m excited to meet new people and learn from their experiences, especially what other precon teams are doing with early trade involvement, risk planning, and which AI/software tools are actually delivering results. I’m looking for practical takeaways we can apply to our team.

5. What key takeaways are you hoping to share with the Preconstruction community as a speaker at the conference?

Chris: I want people to leave with a simple roadmap for how to start using AI in their company without getting overwhelmed. Some AI tools are already here and can help right now while other tools are still developing. Start building the foundation and testing AI tools now so we’re not falling behind as the tech improves.

Explore the Full Preconstruction Agenda

  • 80+ speakers from leading GCs, Trades, Clients & Design Firms
  • The US’ largest strategic preconstruction conference
  • 25% of speakers from Top 30 General & Trade Contractors (ENR)
  • Network with 1000+ of the nation’s most dedicated preconstruction leaders
  • Brand-new ‘Preconstruction Management’ track to foster strategic innovation across all projects
Download the Agenda
precon cover